Politics

An SNP MP has attacked the Government’s “nuclear obsession”, claiming it will result in people paying higher bills. The party’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) spokesman Drew Hendry queried whether the minister was “finally wavering over his support for the over-budget and very, very late Hinkley Point” as he raised the issue in the Commons. But Minister for Energy and Industry Richard Harrington maintained the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant “will turn out to be a really good deal for the taxpayer as it involves no public funds up front”. Speaking during BEIS questions, Mr Hendry (MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey) argued that until now the Government had put nuclear “at the heart of its energy strategy, but its decision to leave Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community) puts at risk the security of markets, businesses and workers in the sector”. He added: “The minister will be aware that energy from nuclear plants will cost £92.50 per megawatt hour , but the new strike price for off-shore wind is only £57.50/MWh, nearly half. “Will the minister confirm that he’s happy for people to pay higher bills for his Government’s nuclear obsession.” Mr Harrington said the Government was ” in favour of a mix of energy which includes nuclear” adding it had “ensured energy security and continuity of supply that everybody enjoys”.

Thank you for your interest in our nuclear news service, and apologies for interrupting your visit.

If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up free to receive the daily news by email.

We do not charge for the email service or for access to the daily news online, but we do rely on donations from individuals to help cover the costs and are asking regular readers to consider making an annual donation.

The recommended amount for those who can afford it is £30, but any contribution is appreciated.